How do I file a discrimination claim with EEOC in Oklahoma?

Posted By
Mazaheri Law Firm

Under federal law, in most cases, before one can file a lawsuit against
an employer for discrimination, one must have first filed a charge of
discrimination with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC.)
The question then arises, how does one go about filing such a charge?

The website for the Oklahoma City office of the EEOC indicates that while
it is not necessary to have an appointment to come in and file a charge,
it may be a good idea to call the office first to determine whether the
matter for which you are seeking remedy is one that the EEOC would have
jurisdiction over, and that the filing of any charge would be within the
time limits imposed by law. Because an in-office visit can take a couple
of hours, this would help avoid some wasted time if the legal requirements
for filing a claim with the commission are not met.

Prospective charge filers will be screened by a commission employee, either
in person or over the phone, and will question the filer with regard to
the specifics of the alleged discrimination. Any individual wishing to
file a charge should be prepared to give information about him- or herself
and the employer against whom the charge is being filed, including the
number of employees that work there. You should also be able to provide
any documentary evidence regarding the claim and the contact information
of any witnesses to the alleged discrimination.

Both federal and state laws protect employees from discrimination on certain
grounds, as well as providing protection from retaliation by an employer
against a person who has reported or helped another in a discrimination
claim. If you have questions about your specific situation, and what the
law requires, you may wish to consult an experienced Oklahoma employment
law attorney.